Objective:
The overall objective of this research is to increase the profitability of growing sunflowers for Saskatchewan producers. The first step in meeting this goal is to developed new hybrids that have the oil quality demanded by the processing industry that can be successfully grown across Saskatchewan.

Approach:
To meet the first objective of developing new hybrids that have the oil quality demanded by the processing industry and the maturity required to be successfully grown across Saskatchewan, two experiments will be conducted. In each year, 20 to 30 testcross hybrids will be tested at two locations, Indian Head and Tribune, with 2 to 3 reps. This trial has been conducted in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and will be continued with new breeding populations in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Each year, the best testcrosses from this experiment will be tested; the next year in a second experiment. In the second experiment, the best testcrosses will be tested against existing hybrids using narrow rows and no-till plot equipment at 4 locations, Indian Head, Redvers, Swift Current and Melfort or Saskatoon with 4 reps and preferably a plot size of 4 m x 10 m. This experiment will be conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Testcross hybrid seed will be provided by Dr. Hulke's laboratory in Fargo, where he will also be forming new breeding populations to further improve on previous results. It is hoped that this research will have identified hybrids suitable for Saskatchewan producers by the end of the research project, and laid the groundwork for continuing progress with a public breeding program into the future.